Vettel happy despite finishing down the grid

MONZA, Italy, Sept 8, 2012 (AFP) - Defending drivers world champion German Sebastian Vettel said he was reasonably satisfied after he qualified sixth in his Red Bull for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

Vettel, who lies second in the title race 24 points behind leader Fernando Alonso, said that he was sure that he could make up a few places in Sunday's race.

"I'm pretty happy with the result," he said.

"My last lap should have been a bit quicker, but whether it would have made a difference or not is hard to say.

"If you look from us to the front, the gaps are too big. All weekend we were not quick enough, so P6 is a very good place to be. 

"Let's see what we can do in the race, I think the pace tomorrow should be better from us."

Team-mate Austalian Mark Webber, who qualified 11th, said: "It's pretty much what we expected - Seb and I were on the bubble there -- it was very close between us - and there's only a tenth here and there and I'm out.

"No massive surprises. I'm 11th, so we can have a bit of a choice on what we can do tonight, but I'd rather be further up the grid. We've got a bit of a slog, but it's Monza so never say never."